It is sometimes easy to forget how fortunate we are to live in Edinburgh. All too often, lurid media headlines would have us believe the nation's capital is unsafe - a place where crime is endemic, residents live in fear and workers and tourists visit with trepidation. Notwithstanding that recorded crime here actually continues to fall, I recognise that this perception is both important and influential. This is why I was delighted to read the findings of a recent poll that affirmed that 92% of all Edinburgh residents are 'satisfied' with where they live. Only 1 person in 25 expressed dissatisfaction. Over 80% do not feel threatened by crime in their neighbourhood. In overall contentment terms, Edinburgh rated in the top five of 36 cities and regions across the UK. These findings do not stand in isolation. Recent surveys have also shown that Edinburgh remains one of the world's top tourist destinations for national and international travellers. I am not trying to suggest that there are no policing or crime concerns in the city. That would clearly be disingenuous. I do think however that we should always seek to challenge negative views of city life with crime statistics and the views of residents themselves.

Allan Shanks, Chief Superintendent.

Hot Topic

Avoid Grief, Don't Tempt a Car Thief

Vehicle crime accounts for significant amount of all recorded offences in Edinburgh. However by following a few simple rules the majority of these incidents are preventable. Otherwise, you'll have an unwanted repair bill and rising insurance premiums.Items on ShowTry not to leave anything on show in your car. Even an old coat can be too much to resist. Most criminals 'smash and grab' first and find out values laterHouse KeysDon't leave them in your vehicle. If your vehicle is broken into, it could be your house next.StereoGet a stereo you can remove and remember to always take it with you. Don't just put the face off unit in the glove compartment.AlarmIf your car has an alarm, remember to use it.Lock Doors and Close WindowsRemember to lock all the doors and close all the windows when you leave the car.ParkingIf you have a garage, use it and lock it. If you haven’t or you’re away from home, park where there’s plenty of light and life.Satellite Navigation SystemsHighly sought after by criminals, who look for the 'sucker' mark that is left on the inside of your windscreen by the handset. They may break in on the off chance that you’ve hidden the goods somewhere in the car. Take your sat nav with you!

Local News

Tollcross Sector – Beat 30 – Dalry

During January there were three domestic housebreakings where entry was gained and property stolen. Two were entered by smashing a rear window the third by forcing the front door.They were in Orwell Place, Richmond Terrace and Dalry Road. Two attempts were made in Murieston Crescent but no entry gained.There were two Business housebreakings and one male is being reported for the break in to Barnardos Shop. An attempt was also made to enter offices in Canning Street.One vehicle was stolen from Caledonian Road which appears to be an isolated incident.Youth calls dropped dramatically to only seven in the Dalry ward this is mainly due to the success of operation Azimuth which is targeting youths in our area.

Constable Bryce's next Community Police surgeries will be held between 1300 and 1400 hrs on the First Wednesday and 1800 and 1900 hrs on the First Thursday of each month at The Gorgie Dalry Partnership Office, 258 Dalry Road, Edinburgh.

Tollcross Sector – Beat 31 – Fountainbridge

There were two domestic housebreaking: A first floor flat in Gillespie Crescent was entered by climbing a drainpipe to the front of the property. Two lap-top computers were stolen.A local man was arrested after breaking into a first floor flat in Lochrin Terrace.Auto Crime: A LDV van in Lochrin Place was entered and a mobile phone stolen. An attempt was made to break into a Ford Ka in Dundee Terrace.Attempts were made to steal three other vehicles: 2 Vauxhall Corsas in Lochrin Place and St. Peter's Place and a Nissan Bluebird in Murdoch Terrace.Three pedal cycles were stolen, two from Bryson Road and the other from Bruntsfield Place.There were 11 youth calls during January, seven of which were in the Dundee Street area.

Constable Goodall's next Community Police Surgery will be held between 1100 and 1200 hours on Wednesday 15th March 2006, at the North Merchiston Youth Club, 48 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh.

Tollcross Sector – Beat 32 – Tollcross

A takeaway in Forrest Road has been charged with serving out with their licensed hours. They will be reported to the licence board.There were 2 domestic housebreakings in January. A flat at Glen Street was broken into by forcing the front door by unknown means and a 1st floor flat in Valleyfield Street was entered by climbing the outside drainpipe and entering an open window. There were also 3 business housebreakings. 1 at Bar Oz, 1 at the Dental Institute and 1 at the Apex Hotel.4 pedal cycles have also been stolen. All bikes were secured to railings. The graffiti around Valleyfield Street, Leven Terrace, Barclay Place and Barclay Terrace has all been photographed. Officers are following a positive line of enquiry to identify the culprits.There were 17 youth calls in January in and around the Tollcross area. Operation Arperggio and Operation Azimuth are still running and officers are on patrol within the areas, especially at weekends.

Useful Numbers

And Finally...

Community Beat Officers (CBO’s)

The three Community Beat Officers for theTollcross Sector can be contacted on0131 221 2008 or by e-mail as follows

Following on from the success of Operation Azimuth, a new operation, OPERATION ASPEN, commenced on Monday 30th January.

A dedicated team of four officers working from the West End Police Station will specifically target and investigate crimes of vandalism, malicious mischief and graffiti, and provide high visibility patrols to detect and reduce anti-social behaviour.